Hot Stuff

        ID Kit: Like any mother, Jody Rigas of Fredonia, N.Y., wanted to safeguard her children. Since she couldn't locate an effective identification kit, she invented the Child ID Kit. It includes an ID card with space on the back for emergency phone numbers, vital statistics, existing medical conditions and do-it-yourself DNA collection instructions (preferable to traditional fingerprints). Available at Wal-Mart for less than $2. www.child-idkit.com or (888) 281-9097.

Family Fun

        Museum musings: Families had so much fun at the Cincinnati Museum Center's free Friday in June, the center is opening its doors again today.. Admission to the History Museum, Children's Museum and the Museum of Natural History and Science is free from 4-9 p.m. In addition, jugglers from Jugglers Inc. will stroll the museums and rotunda performing tricks and balancing acts. The free admission does not include special exhibits and OMNIMAX films. Children 11 and younger must be accompanied by someone 16 years of age or older. 287-7000 or (800) 733-2077.

Help Wanted

        Grammy alert: The Cincinnati Foster Grandparent Program needs volunteers 60 years of age or older and on a limited income to serve in the North College Hill City School's three elementary schools: Clovernook, Becker and Goodman. Grandparents serve 20 hours a week helping children in the schools and receive a tax-free stipend and transportation costs. Volunteers also receive an annual physical exmaination, accident insurance, lunch and other benefits. 241-7745.

Wired Kids

        Online contest: Here's an Internet game that can mean a college scholarship, a new car, a trip to New York City and more. The Microsoft Encarta Challenge 2001 encourages students ages 13-18 to register at www.encartachallenge.com and play the online research skills tournament. The challenge asks questions such as, “In what country can you find Macgillicuddy's Reeks?” and “How long do patents last in the United States?” Players can find answers at www.encarta.com and other reference resources. In the first round, participants must answer all five questions correctly in the alotted time to advance to the next round. Now through Sept. 9, daily prizes will also be given away based on a random drawing. Check the Web site www.encartachallenge.com.

New On Video

        Pattycake fun: Here's a playtime video for you and your toddler. The Mommy and Me videos provide new and creative ways to make together time special. Three new videos Fun and Friends, Splish Splash and Lullaby and Goodnight feature real moms and their children having fun through songs, dance, visual and musical patterns, stories and nursery rhymes and other multisensory activities to enrich young minds. $14.98 each. (800) 784-0991 or www.mommyandme.com.

        Contact Shauna Scott Rhone by phone at 768-8511; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: srhone@enquirer.com.

Circus people are just folks
Father-son balloonists float above it all
The insatiable shopper
B.B. King's blues show a mostly mellow evening
So Many Roads not up to speed
Survey finds you are what you bring to college
On the Fridge
Get to it